There are cruise lines, and then there are cruise lines. The top luxury cruise lines involve more than just a boat trip. These are services designed to create unique experiences, with an eye to personal service, luxurious detail, and in most cases, exclusivity.
What to Expect From a Luxury Cruise Line
Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean are just a few cruise line names that cater to the general cruise market. In general, these larger ships are designed for families or at least cater to a broad range of ages.
Premium and luxury cruises tend to focus on an adult market. The boats, ships, and yachts generally have smaller capacities, gourmet and Michelin-star cuisine options, and luxury cruise suites.
In some cases, the vessels are also smaller, allowing them to visit places that larger commercial ships cannot. Some luxury ships advertise one crew member for every two passengers. These luxury cruise lines have a real focus on service.
Another difference in detail is the itineraries. Luxury and premium lines may offer more detailed and longer itineraries – a lot like luxury train lines – and even curated excursions as part of the packages. Here are the best of these high end cruise lines, in no particular order.
1. Cunard Line
Founded in 1840 by Samuel Cunard, this iconic cruise line established the first regular transatlantic steamship service. The three Cunard ships are named after English Queens – so you’re getting the royal treatment off the bat.
The fleet includes the legendary Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. The Queen Anne cruise ship is being built in Italy at present, with input from some of the best interior designers in the world.
The Cunard Grill Suites are the last word in luxury, with floor to ceiling windows leading to a balcony, a personal butler, Champagne and chocolates and access to exclusive dining venues. There are also gastro pubs and steakhouse eateries onboard. Afternoon tea is a lovely tradition on board the Cunard fleet, served by white-gloved waiters.
Pamper yourself in The Mareel Spa by purchasing a single or multiday pass. There’s a spacious thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool and relaxation area.
2. Paul Gauguin Cruises
The Paul Gauguin Line demurely places its flagship – the titular Paul Gauguin – as the background for its destination. It believes that the real draw of cruising with this luxury cruise ship is the French Polynesian islands. You’ll enjoy gourmet food and exceptional service on board.
There is no better way to experience Tahiti, Fiji, and the South Pacific. Beyond the outstanding spa and relaxation options, guests can also engage in rich cultural tours and Polynesian-focused activities, for the cruise of a lifetime.
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The smallest of the Regent vessels carries 490 passengers, and the largest accommodates 750. These luxury cruise liners focus on relaxation, with world-class spa facilities as part of the all-inclusive offerings onboard.
A new addition to the fleet, Seven Seas Grandeur will take its place alongside popular liners such as the Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer in November 2023.
Regent packages include flights, shore excursions, and activities as unusual as glass-blowing lessons. They also offer additional value with what they call behind-the-scenes activities – showing you how things are done. It’s a curious travelers’ dream!
4. SeaDream Yacht Club
This luxury cruise line offers an intimate experience, catering only for a maximum of 112 guests at a time. With a crew of 95, you’ll be well looked after on board SeaDream Yacht Club.
But the experience is also different in terms of location – these smaller boats can go where larger ones can’t. This all-inclusive yachting experience includes all gratuities, dining and complimentary shore-side activities.
Depending on the time of year, SeaDream yachts are either on Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises. So you can explore a small island, drop off the back of the yacht for a swim, go for a cycle, or join the regular champagne and caviar party on the beach.
5. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic offer a wide range of all-inclusive ocean cruises, river cruises and also land journeys. They refer to their vessels as space-ships to give you an idea of the space they provide.
Scenic Eclipse is the flagship vessel, billing itself as the world’s first discovery yacht. With a maximum of 228 guests and 114 luxurious suites, this is a true bucket list experience.
One of the luxury amenities on Scenic’s river cruises is the ability to use a provided e-bike when on a shore excursion. Scenic also provide butler service on their cruise ships, who will attend to your every need.
6. Emerald Cruises
Part of the Scenic Group, Emerald Cruises offer luxurious river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia and yacht cruises in a variety of destinations. This is an all-inclusive experience, with return flights, gratuities, delicious dining and excursions to enjoy.
The chefs use local ingredients to reflect the destinations that guests are travelling to. From their river Star-Ships to their two luxury yachts, the amenities on board are first-class and include complimentary Wi-Fi.
7. Holland America Line
This premium line has options for both elegant upmarket dining and casual dining – both are highly rated. Ships such as the Oosterdam have stunning Art Deco style features and the shore excursions are particularly well organized.
Aside from what one might expect from a top-class cruise line, there’s a telling statistic here. Most of Holland’s staff are long-term members of the crew. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience about the ships and the destinations, and the fact that they stay with the team so long indicates absolute job satisfaction.
8. Seabourn Cruise Line
All accommodations on Seabourn cruises are suites. This makes an ocean-facing luxury experience a guaranteed item on your checklist. There’s also a particular focus on providing ample deck space, top-class food and fine wines in elegant dining rooms.
Seabourn also prides itself on the age of the fleet – this is one of the most modern, youngest fleets in the sector. The new ships all feature private suite verandahs leading off a spacious stateroom.
These luxurious cruise ships are known for their guest speakers and lecturers who include renowned chefs, artists, scientists and explorers.
9. Viking Ocean Cruises
This award-winning small-ship ocean cruising line has a fleet of over 70 vessels. In 2022, Viking launched new expedition voyages to the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes of North America. They also now offer Mississippi River cruises on board the Viking Mississippi, the company’s first custom vessel.
The jewel in the crown with Viking is the 93-day cruise from Auckland to Vancouver, which visits 13 countries along the way. There are few better ways to see so many sights around the world.
10. Silversea Cruises
One of the best luxury cruise lines, the unique appeal of Silversea is the inclusion of unusual destinations like Russia, West Africa, and Bangladesh. There’s a good range of regular cruise destinations available, and you can also experience places off the usual track via Silversea Expeditions. Like all the other luxury lines, the service is top-notch, with a loyalty program that encourages return guests.
Travelers who have set their sights on embarking on a luxury Silversea cruise will be pleased to find out about the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) programme offered on their new Silver Dawn vessel. This programme offers guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the local cuisines and cultures of the destinations that they visit.
Curated in collaboration with the renowned food writer Adam Sachs, the S.A.L.T. Lab is a unique onboard space where guests can learn culinary techniques, taste fresh ingredients, and attend workshops and talks by local chefs. Guests will also enjoy locally inspired drinks in the S.A.L.T. Bar and gourmet dining in the S.A.L.T. restaurant.
By tapping into the rich culinary history found on the regions they visit, Silversea offer an exclusive and authentic experience that will leave guests feeling like they have truly explored a destination’s culture.
11. Crystal Cruises
Known for offering six-star luxury experiences and exceptional service, Crystal Cruises currently operate two cruise ships. Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have been redesigned to provide large contemporary suites and innovative wellness treatments.
On both ships, there’s a wide range of dining options including UMI UMA – the only dining experience at sea by Michelin-Star Chef Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu).
Guests can enjoy access to sought-after destinations and cultural makers, thanks to the cruise line’s partnership with Abercrombie & Kent.
12. Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara is a perfect example of smaller ships offering specific advantages. The shore excursions feel a lot more personalized with this cruise line.
Azamara prides itself on its patented Destination Immersion program. This is where certain activities are included or complimentary. Imagine experiencing the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra free of charge!
There are currently four cruise ships in their luxury fleet: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and the latest addition, Azamara Onward. These intimate ships can dock at locations that large ships can’t reach.
13. Oceania Cruises
If you’re specifically into top-class food, Oceania has a focus on creating incredible culinary experiences. Their food workshops and food-focused shore excursions are exemplary.
Four of the six ships also only take 684 passengers at capacity – the remaining two can hold 1250. This low-capacity policy means that there’s a specific and personal service focus once again.
The company is based in Miami, with trips to Australia, Africa, Europe, the South Pacific, and the Americas ranging between 10 and 195 days.
14. Riverside Luxury Cruises
This new luxury river cruise line has an exciting program of 32 different cruises to choose from. Their Riverside Mozart ship was purchased from Crystal Cruises, who went into liquidation in 2022. This is the most spacious river ship in Europe.
Riverside Cruises pride themselves on their ability to exceed the 1-2 ratio of staff to passengers. That means that, for the most part, there’s one crew member for every guest.
This is a six-star VIP level offering, with activities and excursions designed to be unique and activity-based. There are various packages including an all-inclusive option.
Note: Looking for a great river cruise? Try a Bangkok River Cruise next time you’re in Thailand.
15. Atlas Ocean Voyages
Experience the adventure of a lifetime with Atlas Ocean Voyages. Specializing in luxury adventure travel, they offer a variety of cruises to some of the most remote and pristine areas of the world, providing travelers with an intimate look at our planet’s natural beauty.
Their ships are smaller than average, so you can get to know your fellow guests and feel right at home. World Navigator boasts a fitness studio, two hot tubs, a pool, infrared sauna, and the only L’Occitane spa at sea.
Whether you’re exploring the icebergs of Antarctica or the rainforests of Costa Rica, Atlas Ocean Voyages will take you to places you never thought possible. With experienced guides and a focus on sustainable tourism, Atlas is dedicated to providing travelers with an unforgettable experience.
16. Ponant
Boasting a fleet of 13 small ships, Ponant is a leading light in luxury expedition cruises. With their elegant design and state-of-the-art amenities, Ponant’s ships offer an unparalleled experience for travelers who want to explore the world in comfort and style.
From the pristine waters of the Caribbean to the icy landscapes of Antarctica, Ponant takes you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning destinations on the planet. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing day at the spa or an adventurous expedition on shore, you’ll find everything you need to make your trip a memorable one.
17. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Luxury travel just got an upgrade with the launch of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Known for their impeccable service and opulent accommodations, the Ritz-Carlton has extended their brand to the high seas.
Guests can expect the same level of luxury and attention to detail on board one of their three ultra luxury cruise ships. Each yacht offers sumptuous staterooms, world-class cuisine, and a plethora of onboard activities. The spa has a sauna, steam room, beauty lounge, gentleman’s grooming salon and five private rooms.
From exploring hidden coves to indulging in spa treatments, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the ultimate in indulgence at sea. This is a vacation experience unlike any other, where guests are treated to the level of attention that the Ritz-Carlton brand is famous for, all while sailing to exotic destinations around the world.
18. Explora Journeys
With a strong focus on sustainability, Explora Journeys has one of the finest hydrogen-powered ships in the world. EXPLORA I launched in August 2023, with more ships to be added to the fleet soon.
EXPLORA I is not just your typical cruise ship. As a luxury vessel, it sets itself apart by offering guests a unique and luxurious experience on the high seas.
Guests can indulge in 9 different culinary experiences and relax and rejuvenate in the 3 outdoor and 1 indoor pool. The wellness program is inspired by the ocean and encompasses a spa, indoor and outdoor fitness centres plus in-suite fitness, a running track and sports court.
With state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled service, EXPLORA I promises to create unforgettable memories for all who embark on its voyage.
19. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
You’d be forgiven for not having heard of this luxurious cruise line company, which is part of the TUI Cruises group. Based in Germany, their main clientele are German speaking although the cruises they offer are bilingual.
MS Europa 2 is their flagship vessel, with almost 900 artworks on board and a stylish Ocean Spa. They also offer a new expedition class, on board the HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit.
20. Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises is a renowned luxury cruise line known for its small ships and intimate sailing experiences. Their fleet of 6 small luxury cruise ships has capacities ranging from 148 to 342 guests. This allows for a more personalized and upscale experience compared to larger cruise vessels.
Windstar specialize in sailing ship cruises, with 4 of their ships being luxury sailing yachts with computer-controlled sails. Their Itineraries focus on smaller ports and destinations that larger ships cannot access in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Tahiti, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal.
This small luxury cruise line’s focus is on a relaxed, casual environment. There are no formal nights, and an open bridge policy means that guests can visit the bridge, and attentive service from the staff.
Read our review of Windstar Star Legend for a full overview.
21. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is another top luxury cruise line known for its modern and upscale cruise experiences. Their ships feature stylish, contemporary design and high-end amenities like plush staterooms, upscale restaurants, expansive spas, and landscaped pool decks.
Dining is a focal point, with diverse restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining by renowned chefs like Daniel Boulud. The Retreat is an exclusive suite-class experience with private restaurants, lounges, sun decks, and dedicated concierges.
The Last Word on the Best Luxury Cruise Lines
These upscale cruise lines offer Michelin-star level cuisine, suites and spacious standard cabins, and excellent person-to-person service. Most of these luxury cruise lines have all-inclusive fares, high staff to passenger ratios and outstandingly curated excursions.
If luxury cruising is on your radar, these are all great options. Take a look at this in-depth Scarlet Lady cruise ship review for more.
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